Media freedom and legislative process highlights of Ambassador Aggeler’s visit to Banja Luka

BANJA LUKA, 2 June 2023 - Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Brian Aggeler, concluded his two-day visit to Banja Luka today where he attended several events and met with political, media and NGO representatives.

Ambassador Aggeler gave an opening statement at the European Union and Czech Embassy's Conference on Media Freedom and Civil Society, highlighting the importance of free media and civil society. "Without press freedom, there is no truly independent journalism. Corruption, nepotism, the wasting of public resources and other government malfeasance will continue to fester", Ambassador stated.

During a meeting with Tanja Topić, Head of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Office in Banja Luka, Ambassador Aggeler discussed the current socioeconomic and political situation in the country.

At the Republika Srpska National Assembly, and with RSNA Speaker Nenad Stevandić, Ambassador Aggeler and representatives of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Legislative Support Unit discussed ODIHR's urgent comments on the RS Criminal Code amendments to re-criminalize insult and defamation in the RS.

The visit was also an opportunity for Ambassador Aggeler to meet with RS journalists and activists, and to learn more about their recent discussions with European counterparts. They attended 16 meetings with high officials in Brussels, Strasbourg and Vienna to alert officials there on the potential effects of defamation re-criminalization in RS.

Ambassador Aggeler concluded his visit at the launch of ODIHR Assessment of the Legislative Process in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He underscored the important role that Committees play in the lawmaking process, and that they should be empowered to scrutinize draft laws at various stages. Enhancing transparency, openness, and inclusivity, particularly through improved committee work and public hearings, can facilitate participatory adoption of laws.

The OSCE Mission to BiH remains committed to supporting these areas.